Teenagers accused of starting a very large New Jersey forest fire

A 19 -year -old man was arrested for being suspected of starting a New Jersey forest fire who had consumed 13,000 hectares and continued to burn Thursday, said the authorities.

In a statement released Thursday morning, New Jersey officials including prosecutor Ocean County Bradley D. Billimer, announced the arrest of Joseph Kling from Waretown, New Jersey, with charges of burning and burning that was worsened in connection with forest fires starting on Tuesday morning.

The fire was first seen around 9:45 on Tuesday in the Greenwood wildlife management area near Waretown, New Jersey, officials said.

Officials said the investigators track the origin of the fire to Watertown.

“Further investigations have revealed that Kling is an individual who is responsible for preparing a burning wooden pallet – and then leaving the area without the fire completely extinguished,” the officials said in the statement.

Kling was detained at the Ocean Township Police Headquarters in Watertown, officials said.

He was ordered in the Ocean Regency prison, where he is currently lodging while waiting for the detention hearing.

Jones Road forest fires continued to burn on Thursday. The fire has burned at least 13,250 hectares and 50% contained, according to the Fire Department.

The wind is expected to blow smoke into the city of New York.

The fire is expected to grow as a dry condition, wind, and low humidity to help the assistance of fire activities, according to New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

With the ongoing fire and the wind shifted north, some fire smoke will get to New York City and Long Island. Because air quality warnings are valid until midnight Thursday night from the raised level of pollution, smoke will occur.

The last New York city was affected by fire smoke in 2023 from fires in Canada but it was not expected to be almost the same intense although it could still be dangerous for very sensitive groups.

The wind will then shift overnight from New York City and Long Island but can shift again on Friday bringing fire smoke to the region.